Approaches to handle disruption effects in transport infrastructure and logistics networks

Disruptions to transport infrastructure and logistics networks caused by extreme weather, geopolitical crises, pandemics and other shocks are expected to intensify in the future. This paper examines how stakeholders currently handle such disruptions and to what extent sustainability is integrated into these approaches. Drawing on a mixed-methods study comprising approximately 50 survey responses and 30 semi-structured interviews across multiple European countries we identify three main categories of handling approaches: information-, technology- and collaboration-based measures. Contrary to assumptions in much of the resilience literature, our findings show that stakeholders use hybrid and cross-phase approaches that cut across preparedness, robustness, recovery and adaptive phases, rather than disruption- or phase-specific strategies. While stakeholders employ a wide repertoire of handling approaches, environmental sustainability is generally deprioritized during disruptions, with continuity of service and safety taking precedence. Sustainability considerations are mainly integrated in long-term planning rather than in acute response. The results highlight the need to embed environmental goals more firmly into everyday operations and preparedness planning to strengthen alignment between resilience and sustainability. The study advances resilience research by providing an actor-oriented, multi-stakeholder analysis of how disruption handling unfolds in practice and where current approaches fall short in supporting sustainable transition pathways.